BIO:

I am an Associate Professor of Biological Anthropology at UTSA. I work on several interrelated questions that are centered around an interest in systematic biology, phylogenetics, and biogeography. I'm interested in exploring the dynamics of diversification, such as the ecological and evolutionary driving factors that shape diversification and speciation in time and space. In addition to my research and teaching, I'm engaged in promoting diversity and social justice within and beyond academia. I'm the former chair of Pride FSA (the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association at UTSA) and I'm a member of the Society of Systematic Biologists Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC). I am originally from Italy, but have lived in many different places in the US and abroad. In my free time, I love to travel, listen to music, hike, and spend time with my friends, my boyfriend, and my cat, Domino.